De Laurentiis sets modest Napoli target

09 September 2011 04:00

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has set his side a modest target for the coming season, aiming for a top-five finish in Serie A.

Napoli challenged for the title last season before a late blip saw them finish third.

And despite strengthening in the summer with signings such as forward Goran Pandev, midfielder Gokhan Inler and centre-back Miguel Britos, De Laurentiis does not expect his team to do any better this term.

"We've bought well but so have the others. We'll give the new signings time to show (coach Walter) Mazzarri what they're capable of," he said.

"My aim is to finish in the top five and then if we manage to qualify for the Champions League (with a top-three finish), I'll be the happiest man in the world.

"But to avoid disappointment I prefer to keep my feet on the ground, not least because we've made many changes and they need to be amalgamated into the team.

"So we shouldn't be in a hurry and even if we slip up occasionally, the fundamental thing is to remain calm.

"In order I would predict AC Milan, Inter Milan, Lazio, Napoli and Juventus, but then there are always surprises.

"But we've got no fear. I've heard it said that we were unlucky with our Champions League draw but in truth we need to show whether or not we're ready to compete in such an important competition."

Napoli were drawn in what has been dubbed this season's 'Group of Death', alongside Manchester City, Villarreal and Bayern Munich.